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VOTE NOW: Waking the Red Toronto FC Awards 2019

Our second annual blizzard of only the hottest takes.

By Waking the Red staff

Welcome to the second annual Waking the Red end-of-season Awards, where we take the time to nominate those deserving at Toronto FC for some of the most prestigious accolades in the industry.

Way back in January, Toronto FC fans entered the 2019 season not knowing what to expect, and honestly, neither did we. The Reds would show glimpses of brilliance early on, followed by stints of misery which led to flashbacks of the dark days in 2018.

But fast forward nine months, through the ups-and-downs, as we all became witness to one of the most thrilling seasons in TFC history, which included yet another MLS Cup Final appearance. So with your help (by voting in the polls below), let’s celebrate those who deserve some recognition accordingly.

Without further ado, here are your nominees for the 2019 WTR Awards.

The Danny Dichio Seat Cushion Award — Best Goal Scored

Poll

The Danny Dichio Seat Cushion Award — Best Goal Scored

This poll is closed

  • 76%
    Richie Laryea run vs. Columbus
    (169 votes)
  • 11%
    Pablo Piatti wonderstrike vs. Vancouver
    (25 votes)
  • 9%
    Ayo Akinola long-range strike vs. D.C. United
    (20 votes)
  • 3%
    Ayo Akinola’s body & chip vs. Montreal
    (8 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread.
    (0 votes)
222 votes total Vote Now

JPN (Jeffrey P. Nesker) - Choose your own Panenka.

MT (Mitchell Tierney) - The Pozuelo chip from the top of the box against NYCFC that made me make a noise which almost immediately got my press credentials revoked.

BR (Benedict Rhodes) - Has to be either the Pozuelo chip against NYCFC, or Benezet’s goal in the Eastern Conference Final against Atlanta. Great goal, and a significant one too.

MB (Martyn Bailey) - Poz chip against NYCFC in playoffs. The absolute audacity to eliminate the #1 Seed in the same manner that you started your MLS career. Right down the middle — The Haunting of Sean Johnson.

MW (Matthew Wilson) - A tie between Nick DeLeon against DC and Nick DeLeon against Atlanta. Nothing better than a screamer from outside the box.

P (Pamanci11) - The chip by Pozuelo against NYCFC.

TS (Tej Sahota) - The penalty shot against NYCFC for Pozuelo’s debut. The anticipation of the player had been building for months, and that moment was the perfect culmination of the fans’ interest around this mysterious new acquisition.

BAR (Brady Reid) - From a practical standpoint, Pozuelo’s debut chip against NYCFC from the top of the box. From a personal view, it’s the Pozuelo freekick at home against Philadelphia as this was the only goal of the season I seen in person.

GL (Gianluca Lia) - The Poz chip vs NYCFC because actually I was watching that on my mobile at a club (given the time difference between Malta and Canada) and I was not sure whether I was drunk or sober in watching that absolute beaut - so I can’t forget that goal very quickly to be fair.

MS (Michael Singh) - Toronto FC scored a list of screamers in 2019, but yeah, I have to go with the majority here and say the moment Alejandro Pozuelo made us all believe again. The guy scooped the ball into the corner of the net... who even tries that lol? And we all remember Altidore’s reaction, right? Says it all.

The Paul Mariner “Best Finish of the Modern Era” Award — Worst Goal Conceded

Poll

The Paul Mariner "Best Finish of the Modern Era" Award — Worst Goal Conceded

This poll is closed

  • 50%
    NYRB’s Caden Clark’s 1-1 equalizer
    (94 votes)
  • 26%
    Nashville’s extra-time goal vs. TFC
    (49 votes)
  • 8%
    Sergio Santos’ goal, the fifth of a 5-0 loss vs. Phili
    (15 votes)
  • 11%
    NYRB Brian White goal on Decision Day
    (22 votes)
  • 2%
    Griffin Yow’s late equalizer for D.C. United
    (5 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
185 votes total Vote Now

JPN - MLS Cup Final - Justin Morrow played the Hokey Pokey and turned that game around.

MT - Whatever the hell this was against the Houston Dynamo.

BR - Carlos Vela's penalty to draw with LAFC after Chris Mavinga's late foul.

MB - August 31st Away to New England. Bou tucks a slow rolling gutterball under the armpit of Q in extra time to steal away two points from a club in desperate need of them.

P - The goal that Mauro Manotas of Houston Dynamo scored against us.

TS - MLS Cup Final. Justin Morrow’s OG on a shot going wide turned that game upside down.

BAR - Seconds away from a massive away win against LAFC and then... Mavinga rash followed by Vela PK Smash.

GL - Houston Dynamo’s third at home - 6 vs 1, and we conceded a goal ?!?!?!

MS - Just one?

The Victor Vazquez Flamenco Dancer Award — Best Play

Poll

The Victor Vazquez Flamenco Dancer Award — Best Play

This poll is closed

  • 6%
    Quentin Westberg save on Ole Kamara
    (13 votes)
  • 10%
    Ayo Akinola throws his weight around vs. Montreal
    (20 votes)
  • 9%
    Ayo Akinola hat-trick vs. Montreal
    (18 votes)
  • 25%
    Montreal Impact’s Rudy Camacho’s heroics for Toronto FC
    (49 votes)
  • 32%
    Pablo Piatti rocket vs. Vancouver
    (62 votes)
  • 8%
    Jozy Altidore Quiet Now
    (17 votes)
  • 5%
    Alejandro Pozuelo picking up Chris Mavinga
    (10 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
189 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Week 1: Striker Michael Bradley with a brace to take an early lead in the MLS Golden Boot race.

MT - The moment I thought Toronto FC were going to win the final when Pozuelo did 6.5 roulettes and then nutmegged a guy.

BR - Mitch, stop stealing all the good answers...

MB - I literally came here to say THAT ^^^

P - Michael Bradley getting the brace in week one.

TS - Nick Deleon turning DC players inside out before delivering an absolute screamer. That was quality.

BAR - Pozuelo doing the Polka past every Seattle player in sight in the Final.

GL - Pozuelo saying the f-word after the NYCFC game?

MS - Already down 1-0 in the opening minutes of the ECF, Quentin Westberg comes up with a massive penalty save that possibly rescued Toronto FC’s season.

The “Get Defoe Outta Here” Award — Worst Play

Toronto FC concede last-minute penalty at LAFC

Poll

The "Get Defoe Outta Here" Award — Worst Play

This poll is closed

  • 6%
    06/26/2019 - Wait! Come Back!
    (8 votes)
  • 28%
    02/20/2019 - Independiente Shenanigans
    (34 votes)
  • 30%
    09/25/2019 - Montreal takes our cup
    (37 votes)
  • 23%
    09/21/2019 - Losing to LAFC at the death
    (29 votes)
  • 10%
    Laurent Ciman, double-dragon
    (13 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
121 votes total Vote Now

JPN - That time at BMO, when we won, so they played Depeche Mode on the loudspeakers. We danced, we left. All was right with the world as we shuffled down concrete steps. And then they brought us all back for a Pity Martinez ‘penalty’.

BR - The entire first leg against Independiente.

MB - Montreal taking our Cup.

P - Losing out on beating the best team in the league (LAFC) at Banc of California because of conceding a penalty in stoppage time.

TS - Every time Laurent Ciman decided to do his Ken and Ryu impersonation and do karate kick slides into the opposing attackers feet.

BAR - ^ Choose your fighter.

GL - 2019/2020 Concacaf Champions League.

MS - Yeah, that Mavinga tackle was dumb.

The #SebaThings Award — Best Sebastian Giovinco Thing

JPN - Bottle-feeding baby lions.

MT - When he came back that one time and sat beside Bill Manning and set differences aside.

BR - Man of the match honours in the Asian Champions League final

MB - That he was gracious enough to quietly leave his trainer with Toronto to ensure a healthy Jozy Altidore for the duration of the 2019 campaign...

MW - When he hung out with two LEGENDS and some loser who got fired by Monaco. (ok, that might be my Spurs fan bias)

P - Being man of the match in the Asian Champions League Final.

TS - That for a brief moment, he gave me hope of a reunion by attending a game at BMO Field after the ugly exit.

BAR - Has to be this festive snap alongside Endoh with both of the lads straight cheesin’

GL - Taking one continent at a time...

MS - Martyn’s answer wins everything.

The D-Ro’s John Hancock Award — Best Goal Celebration

Poll

The D-Ro’s John Hancock Award — Best Goal Celebration

This poll is closed

  • 8%
    Tsubasa Endoh - celly crasher
    (8 votes)
  • 10%
    Richie Laryea hitting the whoa
    (10 votes)
  • 3%
    Nicolas Benezet and his chin
    (3 votes)
  • 6%
    Poz losing it
    (6 votes)
  • 10%
    Jozy flexing
    (10 votes)
  • 9%
    Westy bangs the drum
    (9 votes)
  • 3%
    Zlatan "Irbahimovic"
    (3 votes)
  • 1%
    Pozeulo kissing his tattoo
    (1 vote)
  • 19%
    Giovinco don’t care about Hep C
    (19 votes)
  • 0%
    The (john) legend of Justin Morrow
    (0 votes)
  • 31%
    Nick DeLeon gets his revenge
    (31 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
100 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Anytime Tsubasa Endoh crashed someone else’s celly, which was pretty much every time he was on the field when a goal was scored. You could say he found “the back door” into the on-field antics, but failed miserably off the pitch.

MT - Toss up between Richie Laryea hitting the whoa after scoring against D.C. in the playoffs and Benezet.

BR - Gotta be Pozuelo losing it in NYC after scoring the winning goal.

MB - Jozy flexing for the Montreal supporters after scoring a beautiful FK in the 95’ in July.

MW - Westberg banging the drum in the South End after almost single handily winning the game.

P - I couldn’t think of any different goal celebrations that Toronto scored, but Zlatan having his ‘Irbahimovic’ jersey when he played against us was pretty funny - at least it lightened the mood when he scored 2 goals against us.

TS - Pozuelo’s debut goal, and the pulling of the sleeve to kiss a tattoo in honour of his family. Always a sucker for sentimental celebrations.

BAR - Until someone else chugs a beer, Giovinco remains the GOAT in this department

GL - Justin Morrow - it’s like seeing John Legend playing soccer with that smile

MS - Nick DeLeon after he scored in ET against DC. The raw emotion. He said after the match that he felt it was his man who got free to tie the game off the corner and force ET. So couple that with the fact that it was his former team... and now go back and rewatch that cele.

The Steven Caldwell “Quality” Award — Favourite Player

Poll

The Steven Caldwell "Quality" Award — Favourite Player

This poll is closed

  • 41%
    MVPoz
    (77 votes)
  • 13%
    Eric G
    (24 votes)
  • 7%
    Richie Laryea
    (13 votes)
  • 10%
    Jonathan Osorio
    (20 votes)
  • 1%
    Justin Morrow
    (3 votes)
  • 19%
    Ayo Akinola
    (35 votes)
  • 3%
    Ralph Priso
    (6 votes)
  • 3%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (6 votes)
184 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Michael Bradley. Oh Captain, my Captain.

MT - I am an unbiased journalist and will not fall for this trap.

BR - As an impartial member of the media, I think of every player equally.

MB - ShaffelJesus.

MW - Ayo Akinola

P - Chris Mavinga, because I have to justify the fact that I got his name on the back of my jersey.

TS - I’m a blogger, and not held to the same standards as these journalists, so I have no qualms about picking Michael Bradley. Oh, you should go read this most excellent column that I just wrote about him too!

BAR - As a fellow LB who loves to whip in crosses a lot more than defending I’ll go with Justin Morrow.

GL - Quentin Westberg - straight outta Clairefontaine baby, home of World Cup winners.

MS - My favourite interview so far has been Quentin Westberg.

The Danny Koeverman’s Award — Favourite Opposing Player

Wayne Rooney stands at BMO Field in his last MLS game
Tagwa Moyo / Waking the Red

Poll

The Danny Koeverman’s Award — Favourite Opposing Player

This poll is closed

  • 26%
    Lucas Zelarayan
    (44 votes)
  • 11%
    Samuel Piette
    (19 votes)
  • 11%
    Carlos Vela
    (19 votes)
  • 1%
    Romell Quito
    (3 votes)
  • 6%
    Chris Wondolowski
    (10 votes)
  • 9%
    Rudy Camacho
    (15 votes)
  • 16%
    Christian Pavon
    (27 votes)
  • 5%
    Tajon Buchanan
    (9 votes)
  • 9%
    Diego Rossi
    (15 votes)
  • 1%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (2 votes)
163 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Zlatan, thanks for the memories. Now go back to watch baseball.

MT - See last answer..... but it’s Samuel Piette.

BR - Watching Carlos Vela is a privilege, that guy is incredible.

MB - Every single player not named Stefan Frei is tied for 1st.

MW - Jordan Morris

P - Aleksandar Katai - For some reason I loved watching some of Chicago’s attackers play earlier this season, and Katai was one of my favourites to watch.

TS - Josef Martinez was fun to watch if you’re a neutral observer of the game. It’s like watching a human can of Red Bull play soccer.

BAR - It’s....... Wayne Rooney. Anyone?

GL - Raul Ruidiaz. What a gem.

MS - Bastian Schweinsteiger, Wayne Rooney, or Zlatan. It will be Alexander Buttner next year. Anyone figure out why? Hint: Glory. Glory.

The Stephen Frei Award — Favourite Opposing GK

JPN - Brad Guzan - because his fan cheer sounds like a rain of boos. Easy switch when we score bangers on him and actual boos ensue.

MT - Max Crepeau - Who was probably the lone bright spot on an awful Vancouver side and will be Canada’s number one sooner rather than later.

BR - Brad Guzan - I have all the time in the world for that guy.

MB - Sean Johnson because he was a really good sport about diving the wrong way. Repeatedly.

MW - Clint Irwin

P - Maxime Crepeau as it’s always neat to see an underrated Canadian finally get his chance to shine and show everyone what he’s all about.

TS - anyone but Frei

BAR - Bill Hamid as he was awfully polite to the Reds at BMO (sorry DC supporters)

GL - Nick Rimando - great man, great player.

MS - I actually have to agree with Matthew here for once, and give some love to Clint Irwin — 2017 MLS Cup Champion, by the way.

The Maxi Urruti Award — Most Underatted TFC Player

Poll

The Maxi Urruti Award — Most Underatted TFC Player

This poll is closed

  • 35%
    Marky Delgado
    (61 votes)
  • 12%
    Liam Fraser
    (21 votes)
  • 21%
    Chris Mavinga
    (37 votes)
  • 7%
    Alex Bono
    (13 votes)
  • 4%
    Jacob Shaffelburg
    (7 votes)
  • 17%
    Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
    (30 votes)
  • 1%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (2 votes)
171 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Once again, nothing but L-O-V-E for my middle flipper, the little engine that could, Marky Delgado. Give that man all the wrist-tape.

MT - Has to be Delgado, without him the Midfield collapses in on itself basically every time.

BR - Quentin Westberg. He was massive for TFC, especially in the playoffs, and played a huge role in getting them to the final.

MB - Nick DeLeon carried this team when they were light, and put in work off the bench when the guys returned. Joint-1st with 39 matches and banged in ten goals.

MW - Omar Gonzalez

P - I’ll go with Questin Westberg as he definitely saved TFC more than a few points this season.

TS - Gonzalez was the stabilizing force that the back 4 needed since Drew Moor lost his legs at the end of 2017. It’s no surprise that his arrival marked the beginning of TFC’s ascent in the standings.

BAR - I’ll go with Auro. Laryea had a hard time knocking him out of the XI despite showing well everytime he got a shot. The little Brazilian was solid down the stretch.

GL - Big in Japan...Tsubasa Endoh.

MS - Erickson Gallardo. Just wait.

The “All For Me” Award — Most Overrated TFC Player

MLS: Toronto FC at FC Dallas
Former Toronto FC forward Terrence Boyd (91) in action during the match against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium.
(Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports)

Poll

The "All For Me" Award — Most Overrated TFC Player

This poll is closed

  • 18%
    Erickson Gallardo
    (25 votes)
  • 44%
    Omar Gonzalez
    (62 votes)
  • 8%
    Marky Delgado
    (12 votes)
  • 7%
    Laurent Ciman
    (11 votes)
  • 16%
    Jozy Altidore
    (23 votes)
  • 3%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (5 votes)
138 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Erickson Gallardo. B-B-B-baby we’ve just ain’t seen N-N-nothing yet. I’m absolutely prepared to eat crow when he tears up MLS-MX in 2025, by the way.

MT - This would be even more harmful for a Capital J journalist such as myself than answering the aforementioned questions.

BR - Nah

MB - Charlie O’Connor-Clarke on WTRFC in all competitions this season. Purely out to pad his own stats. Shambolic.

MW - Auro Jr.

P - I would’ve picked Erickson Gallardo, but since I don’t want to repeat the obvious too much, I’ll say Justin Morrow as a second pick - as I think he’s been overrated this past season. A few years ago, I thought he was one of the most underrated players, with how he produced both defensively and offensively. Nowadays though, I find he can still perform decently defensively but I would argue that he doesn’t contribute much offensively anymore like he did in 2016 and 2017. Perhaps its because he’s losing fitness as he gets older. He’s still a good player though, and I want TFC to keep him, I just don’t think he’s as good as he once was.

TS - Jozy Altidore is a DP who is one of the highest paid players in the league, and in his absence, Toronto FC went all the way to the Cup Final. He is overrated in how important he would be to this team going forward.

BAR - I plead the fifth.

GL - Don’t really think there is anyone unless Wheeler hypes him in his podcasts?

MS - Yeah, no. I’m going to have to go interview them after this.

The Torsten Frings Award — Best Player Playing in an Unnatural Position

MLS: MLS Cup-Toronto FC vs Seattle FC
Toronto FC midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo (10) and Seattle Sounders midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) go for the ball in the second half during the MLS Cup at CenturyLink Field.
(Wayrynen/USA TODAY Sports)

Poll

The Torsten Frings Award — Best Player Playing in an Unnatural Position

This poll is closed

  • 40%
    Jonathan Osorio
    (68 votes)
  • 33%
    Auro Jr.
    (56 votes)
  • 17%
    Richie Laryea
    (29 votes)
  • 4%
    Alex Bono
    (8 votes)
  • 3%
    Pablo Piatti
    (6 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
167 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Richmond “I’ll be Right Back” Laryea.

MT - False 9 Pozuelo

BR - Gregory van der Wiel

MB - Eriq Zavaleta as a starter.

P - Richie Laryea playing as a right back when he normally plays in the midfield.

TS - Michael Bradley, striker.

BAR - Bradley opening day brace hanging out way up the pitch was fun

GL - Me watching games away at Western Conference teams at 4am in Malta.

MS - Aside from anywhere Poz played all year, Nick DeLeon playing fullback; he was actually decent.

The “Hey Mista Mista” Award — Newcomer of the Year

Poll

The "Hey Mista Mista" Award — Newcomer of the Year

This poll is closed

  • 16%
    Nick DeLeon
    (18 votes)
  • 11%
    Richie Laryea
    (13 votes)
  • 62%
    Alejandro Pozeulo
    (70 votes)
  • 6%
    Omar Gonzalez
    (7 votes)
  • 1%
    Nicolas Benezet
    (2 votes)
  • 1%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (2 votes)
112 votes total Vote Now

JPN - This is a tough one, as I’m 50/50 between Nick DeLeon and Richie Laryea. I’ve tried breaking it down many ways - still dead even. Nick’s got the hair, Richie’s got the “mysterious black armband”. Nick’s got the thunder-strikes, Richie’s got the lightning-runs. Since I gave Richie a nod already, I’ll give it to Saint Nick here.

MT - I mean... Jeff, Pozuelo is a newcomer...

BR - I was going to say Michael Singh because they hadn't lost since he took over... until the final. Instead, I'll go with Nick DeLeon, who is a veteran presence and a solid player, and played way above my expectations.

MB - Pozuelo. Also, it’s ridiculous that 13 players made their first team debut with TFC this season. That feels like an oddly high number.

P - Alejandro Pozuelo has got to be here. He helped change how this team operates fundamentally.

MW - Omar Gonzalez

TS - Pozuelo and any other answer isn't even close!

BAR - Anything other than Alejandro “Panenka” Pozuelo is a shout of vastly audacious proportions.

GL - Benezet Mask.

MS - I was going to say Ben’s new contract with WTR.... until he finished that sentence. So, instead I’ll emphasize that anyone who didn’t pick Poz was trying to be hipster.

The Downsview to Downtown Award — Best Canadian Player

Poll

The Downsview to Downtown Award — Best Canadian Player

This poll is closed

  • 39%
    Jonathan Osorio
    (65 votes)
  • 54%
    Richie Laryea
    (90 votes)
  • 6%
    Ayo Akinola
    (10 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
165 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Take a bow, Jonathan Osorio. You are a beast! Now “Write that sh*t!”.

MT - Even if it wasn’t the smoothest year, it has to once again be Jonathan Osorio.

BR - Oso

MB - I just came here to agree.

MW - Oso

P - Richie Laryea. I loved the presence that he had on the right side; he’s such a hard worker.

TS - Osorio didn't have the same year of highlights that he did in 2018, but he became a more complete team player that was deployed in a more variety of roles in 2019. He’s become an integral piece for this team.

BAR - Y’all realize Shaffelburg is Canadian right?

GL - Laryea man, what a lovely surprise he was.

MS - With honourable mentions to Richie Laryea and Liam Fraser, it’s Oso.

The Trillium Cup Award — Best Rivalry

Poll

The Trillium Cup Award — Best Rivalry

This poll is closed

  • 69%
    Montreal Impact
    (74 votes)
  • 9%
    Atlanta United
    (10 votes)
  • 8%
    NYCFC
    (9 votes)
  • 13%
    Seattle Sounders
    (14 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
107 votes total Vote Now

JPN - Montreal Impact. Heard you got a new manager, maybe he can help you manage keeping the Voyageurs Cup clean, because we’ll be sending you the bill for detailing once it’s back where it belongs.

BR - The Toronto-Atlanta rivalry has the potential to kick off a bit more in 2020, but at the moment it's Montreal.

MB - I hope Toronto can continue to haunt NYCFC’s dreams for years to come.

MW - It should be Seattle, but I don’t hate them for some reason. Has to be the Montreal Impact.

P - I think the 401 Derby was in an a way (in an unfortunate way) reinvigorated through the loss to Montreal in the Canadian Championship Finals. The Toronto-Atlanta games are always fun as well.

TS - Auro Jr. vs. Lareya for the position of starting RB. This rivalry has threatened many friendships over on the WTR slack channel.

BAR - TFC v Impact remains a super fun one, hopefully Henry can have Montreal back on track to help recreate another 2016-esque series in the future.

GL - TFC vs Seattle.

MS - TFC - Montreal. You should’ve seen the look on Jonathan Osorio’s face when the Montreal Impact celebrated right by his post-game interview in the locker room. No love lost there.

The “Meadowlands Massacre” Award — Worst Game

MLS: Champions League-CAI at Toronto FC (Hamilton/USA TODAY Sports)

Poll

The "Meadowlands Massacre" Award — Worst Game

This poll is closed

  • 100%
    Independiente
    (85 votes)
85 votes total Vote Now

JPN - That thing in Panama.

MT - Independiente away. Has to be.

BR - Independiente away.

MB - Every single match in which Vanney wore a substitute’s pinney.

P - Didn’t even watch most of it, but I’m glad I did because that Independiente loss was bad.

TS - I would also have to go with the game that had Griffin Dorsey making his debut, only to never be seen with the big club again.

BAR - Not even going to try and be a hipster here, has to be the Independiente one.

GL - Independiente away 100%.

MS - Obviously the correct answer is Independiente, but that first leg against Montreal in the Canadian Championship still kind of stings.

The “Miracle in Montreal” Award — Best Game

Poll

The "Miracle in Montreal" Award — Best Game

This poll is closed

  • 23%
    Toronto FC vs. Montreal— 4-3 W at MLS is Back
    (27 votes)
  • 51%
    Toronto FC vs Columbus— 3-1 W on Sept. 28
    (58 votes)
  • 10%
    Toronto FC vs. Vancouver— 3-0 W in August
    (12 votes)
  • 12%
    Vancouver vs. Montreal— Can Champ
    (14 votes)
  • 1%
    Toronto FC vs. NYCFC— 1-0 W on Mar. 7
    (2 votes)
  • 0%
    Other - Tell us in the comments thread
    (0 votes)
113 votes total Vote Now

JPN - DC United equalizing at the death, and then ... this.

MT - The playoff win over NYCFC where Toronto FC went on the road and outplayed the best team in the Eastern Conference.

BR - The TFC-Atlanta game back in June. A big win for TFC, and defined by the late drama of Pity Martinez slotting a field goal from the penalty spot five minutes after the final whistle was blown.

MB - Those four ET goals vs. DC signalling that the 2019 playoffs might be more than just a courtesy.

P - I loved the 2-1 win that Toronto FC got over Atlanta in the MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs. I did not expect TFC to win, but they upset the odds and beat Atlanta in their own stadium, which is one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the league. I always love to get one over the Atlanta fans who think their team is better than Real Madrid.

TS - The debut of Pozuelo against NYCFC had a playoff like feel and buzz around BMO, that was a special night.

BAR - Despite all the emotions of that playoff run, Pozuelo’s debut stands out as the biggest WOW moment of the season.

GL - NYCFC in the post-season. Started to believe we could ACTUALLY win it.

MS - Probably recency bias or the magnitude of the game, but definitely any of TFC’s post-season victories. Waking the Red x FootyTalks’ viewing party at the Cinesphere for the Eastern Conference Final against Atlanta was insane.

The Tom Anselmi Award — Best Front Office Achievement

SOCCER: JAN 11 MLS SuperDraft
Toronto FC general manager Ali Curtis during the MLS SuperDraft 2019
(Mead/Getty Images)

JPN - Everything. This year was capital “M” Mental. The off-season to end all off-seasons saw Ali Curtis inherit a screaming garbage fire. Yet he gifted us this “rebuild on the fly” and a surprise final. I can’t freaking wait to see what he does now that he’s had a second to exhale.

MT - Remembering the importance of MLS veterans and bringing in some solid ones in the form of Nick DeLeon, Patrick Mullins, Omar Gonzalez and Laurent Ciman.

BR - Constructing an MLS Cup finalist roster on the fly after the crazy offseason they endured.

MB - Next week when they lock up MB4 on sweet, sweet Allo.

MW - Getting rid of Terrence Boyd

P - I thought Ali Curtis did a pretty good job given the circumstances. I particularily liked how Richie Laryea, who used to be a top draft prospect, was signed on a free transfer, and transformed back into the player people were hoping he would be when Orlando City SC drafted him just a few years prior.

TS - Whoever made the call to Quentin Westberg should get a raise.

BAR - Convincing Pozuelo they did indeed have a good f*cking team.

GL - Keeping calm after Seba left, harbouring the bad weather in particular after the CCL shock.

MS - Omar Gonzalez. When Plan A, B, or C didn’t work at the back, the front office didn’t panic. Instead, they used their resources to sign one of the Reds most important players in 2019, who should be returning in 2020.

The “All For One More Dollar” Award — Worst Front Office Achievement

JPN - They really, really, really, need to take away Chris Mavinga’s smartphone and/or get someone to supervise/edit/delete his social media posts. He’s whipped #TFCLive into a frothy mousse far too many times to count. Chris, my heart, it can’t take it. Nous t’aimons. Arrête de nous faire peur.

MT - Not necessarily all on the current front office, but the way the offseason went put the team behind the eight ball pretty early on in the season.

BR - Not sure if it's really a front office problem, but consistently posting the starting lineups on Twitter a few minutes late is always a matter of contention in the press box (and our group chat). (You know who you are)

MB - Giving Seba’s extension money to Jozy. (There. I said it)

MW - Signing Terrence Boyd in the first place.

P - Erickson Gallardo so far: He might do well next year, but I found he didn’t offer the ‘sparks of magic’ that I hoped from him this season. You could also argue Terrence Boyd, but I found he was moreso someone who was supposed to be a steady backup who didn’t work out because of the pressure that he had from more casual fans who though he was the replacement for Sebastian Giovinco.

TS - This team wouldn’t need to spend this offseason chasing a healthy striker, if they had just paid the right guy his DP money, instead of the guy who can’t stay healthy for a full month.

BAR - Terrence Boyd debacle.

GL - Terrence Boyd - but to be fair, he had a good track record. A gamble that backfired ultimately.

MS - Laurent Ciman’s post-season saved him here. Terrence Boyd.

The King Club Award — Best New BMO Field Thing

Fans at BMO Field
Tagwa Moyo / Waking The Red

JPN - While I’ll miss the black bean and salsa burgers, I won’t miss breaking the world by ordering one and twiddling my thumbs for at least 10 minutes of play while waiting on an army of confused/enraged concession staff to prepare it. Beyond Burgers are easier (fingers crossed).

BR - The new chicken sandwich in the South End. Disgustingly messy, but delicious and helped get through losing to Independiente.

MB - TIFOs in the South End and all the good people responsible for the hard work that goes into making them happen!

P - This is not really for this year, but it’s exciting that (if all goes well) the future ‘Ontario Line’ will connect to Exhibition Place, making it easier for a lot of the fans who take public transit to get to the games!

MW - Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich - not quite spicy enough though

TS - More than one kiosk has 100th Meridian now! But bring back Steam Whistle you cowards!

BAR - I’ve yet to try this chicken sandwich Benedict speaks of but it is duly noted for the future.

GL - I skip this. My BMO is my home in Malta.

MS - #CanMNT winning meaningful games

The GO Train Tunnel Award — Worst BMO Field Thing

JPN - People arriving 15 minutes into the first half. I get that Toronto traffic sucks but it’s really down to you and your time management. I’m here to watch the game, not a parade of random backsides shimmying into seats.

MT - Will forever be the sight-lines from the press box.

BR - That random pillar in the middle of the press box.

MB - Need more pasta / mosquito repellent / juice box giveaways upon exiting.

MW - Leaves work at 5PM - Hops on GO Train - gets to Exhibition at 6PM - all the bars are full for a 7PM start - forced to pay $23 for a beer before kickoff.

P - I was able to go in box seats for the first time ever. To be honest, the amenities were nice, but it feels like almost no one who gets tickets there actually comes to enjoy the game. I prefer sitting in regular seats after that experience.

TS - Making a left turn from Lakeshore into the South parking of BMO. It’s bumper car action.

BAR - That one time I got frostbite in MAY watching TFC play at BMO.

GL - Not being actually there lol.

MS - I just wanted to take the time to point out that Mitch and Ben used this platform to humbly brag that they’ve been in the BMO Field press box.

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